Hooray: Ben & Jerry’s owner Unilever is dropping the anti-Israel lunacy

 

Ben & Jerry’s  got me through untold breakups in college.

Drowning my sorrows in a pint was a great consolation prize for my heartbreak. 

But in 2021, I soured on the brand when it announced plans to stop selling its ice cream in what it referred to as the “Occupied Palestinian Territory.”

Its hostility to Israeli policy grew even more poisonous after Oct. 7.

The good news?

Recent pushback by critics — and consumers — prompted B&J’s parent company, Unilever, to respond, just as other companies have been shedding their DEI and woke images.

And that’s major grounds for hope.

Lakewood Father charged in tragic death of 4-month-old son who died in hot car after being left for ‘extended period’

 

A 4-month-old New Jersey infant perished after being left for an “extended period” in a hot car — and his father has been charged in the tragic death, authorities said.

Investigators did not disclose just how long they suspect ME son was left on his own inside the dad’s Toyota minivan Tuesday in Lakewood, when temps reached a high of 63 degrees.

Local news footage shows officers around the parked van, which appears to have been left in direct sunlight.

Lakewood cops received a 911 call about an unresponsive child at approximately 1:45 p.m. and officers were dispatched to a residential block near Fifth Street between Monmouth and Princeton avenues, near a kosher supermarket market and a pair of synagogues. ME lives three blocks from where the van was parked.

“Responding Officers found Hatzolah Medical Services attempting to render lifesaving aid to a 4-month-old male infant,” the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office said.

The boy was taken to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, where he was pronounced dead.

Detectives eventually determined the boy “was left alone in ME's vehicle for an extended period of time,” prosecutors said.

ME was arrested Thursday and charged with child endangerment after surrendering to police. He was released by a judge hours later.

The family did not respond to messages.

The baby’s name was not released by investigators.

Columbia bows to Trump, agrees to sweeping campus reforms

 

Columbia University has agreed to comply with US President Donald Trump’s sweeping demands in order to restore $400 million in federal funding that was revoked earlier this month, The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing a memo from the university to the administration.

As part of the agreement, Columbia will prohibit masks on campus, grant 36 campus police officers expanded authority to arrest students and appoint a senior vice provost with broad oversight over the Department of Middle East, South Asian, and African Studies, as well as the Center for Palestine Studies.

One of the most contentious aspects of the negotiations has been control over the Middle East department, a move that has ignited fierce debate among faculty members at Columbia and beyond. The newly appointed vice provost, selected by Columbia, will be responsible for reviewing the curriculum, hiring of non-tenured faculty, and leadership “to ensure the educational offerings are comprehensive and balanced.”

Columbia’s concessions mark a major victory for Trump in his ongoing battle with elite universities over the anti-Israel protests on campuses.

Earlier this month, the Trump administration withdrew federal grants and contracts from Columbia, citing the university’s failure to protect Jewish students. The university had been at the center of pro-Palestinian Arab demonstrations that disrupted campuses across the country last year.

Columbia later signalled a willingness to cooperate with the Trump administration in order to restore the funding, which interim President Katrina Armstrong acknowledged would "immediately impact research and other critical functions."

The Wall Street Journal report noted that, before talks on restoring federal funding, the Trump administration initially set forth nine demands. Columbia, however, now says it has gone even further by implementing additional measures to promote intellectual diversity.

A senior Columbia administrator acknowledged that the university considered legal action against the Trump administration but ultimately decided against it. The school determined that the federal government had numerous tools at its disposal to withhold funding, making a legal battle challenging. Additionally, university officials recognized that many of the required changes aligned with reforms they already intended to implement.

Columbia has come under increased scrutiny over the rise in antisemitism on campus since the Hamas massacre in Israel on October 7, 2023.

Pro-Palestinian Arab demonstrators at Columbia set up dozens of tents in April of 2024, demanding that the university divest from its Israeli assets. The university administration called in police to dismantle the encampments.

On April 30, at the request of university leaders, hundreds of officers with the New York Police Department stormed onto campus, gaining access to the building through a second-story window and making dozens of arrests of the pro-Palestinian Arab demonstrators who had taken over Hamilton Hall.

In August, three Columbia University deans resigned from the school, after it was discovered that they had exchanged “very troubling” texts that “disturbingly touched on ancient antisemitic tropes”.

The university has seen a resurgence of anti-Israel activity in recent weeks. In January, anti-Israel students disrupted an Israeli history class by banging drums, chanting “Free Palestine,” and distributing fliers that depicted a boot stomping on a Star of David.

The students were later expelled, prompting protests at Barnard College. The demonstrations escalated when protesters took over the Barnard College library, leading to multiple arrests.

The Delusional Witkoff says that Hamas is "Not as ideologically extreme as they're often portrayed

US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff on Friday gave an extensive interview to journalist Tucker Carlson, stating the US' goals for the war against Hamas in Gaza, and praising Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions.

Stressing that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has good motives, he noted that Hamas is almost completely eliminated, Hezbollah is significantly weakened, and Israel has sent a powerful message to the Iranian government.

"We would not be as effective in the region if he didn't do what he did [with Hezbollah and Hamas], not even close."

He explained, "I think he [Netanyahu] did an exceptional job, but the rap he gets is that he's more concerned about the fight than he is about the hostages. I understand how people could make that assessment, but I don't necessarily agree with it."

'I think Bibi believes that he's doing the right thing. I think he goes up against public opinion 'cause the public opinion [in Israel] wants those hostages home."

Witkoff, one of the first US officials to visit Gaza in 22 years, spoke with the families of the hostages and attended events at Tel Aviv's Hostages Square. He emphasized the close connection that he feels with the hostages' families, and said that the events of October 7 are a national trauma, cutting Israel's soul.

Witkoff also stressed that US President Donald Trump's goal is "about understanding the reality before making decisions."

Gaza, however, cannot continue to be ruled by Hamas: "They need to demilitarize, and then they might also be politically involved in Gaza."

"A terrorist organization cannot govern Gaza — that is unacceptable to Israel. What is possible, however, is for them to disarm. Then they can stay for a while and even be politically involved."

In his opinion, "We need to understand what Hamas wants and then think about what we can offer them to make them leave. That is what needs to happen here. At the start of the conflict, we heard that 'Hamas is an ideology, and they are ready to die.'"

"I don’t think they are as ideologically extreme as they're often portrayed. They send young children who understand nothing to commit suicide with explosive belts. Once we understand that they want to live, we can talk to them more effectively."

 

Tragic Accident Claims Life of Rabbi Eliyahu Fink

Rabbi Eliyahu Fink, 43, a prominent writer from Monsey, New York, known for his widely followed online posts, tragically lost his life early Thursday morning in a devastating accident on the Garden State Parkway in East Orange in Essex county near milepost 146.5 in East Orange.

Fink’s Tesla was reportedly disabled following a crash, prompting him to exit the vehicle. As he stood outside, he was struck by a Jeep Cherokee, which sent him into the northbound lanes. Multiple vehicles then hit him, leading to fatal injuries. The details of the crash are still under investigation.

Rabbi Fink was widely respected for his insightful writing and thought-provoking online presence, drawing a significant following for his posts that covered various aspects of life, faith, and personal growth. His unexpected passing has left many in the community in shock, with tributes pouring in from those who admired his work and impact.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days

R’ Eliyahu Z”L was the son of Rabbi Aharon Fink, a respected longtime mohel and the dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov, which he founded 25 years ago.

Our thoughts are with Rabbi Fink’s family, friends, and community during this difficult time.

The levaya is set to take place on Sunday in Monsey. Further details will be published as they become available.

NYC ClosesTwo Skver Moisdois and One Satmar Girls School.... "No Tickie...No Washie"

  Parents at three more New York City yeshivas are being told to find another school for next year as the State Education Department clamps down on schools flouting requirements for secular education instruction.

The schools will lose their legal status and will not receive any public funding for meals, transportation, textbooks orother programs after June 30, which is the deadline for all schools in the state to comply with the secular education mandate, according to a spokesperson for the New York State Education Department.

The government crackdown comes after years of legislative battles, court disputes, and public debate over the quality and character of education received by an estimated 65,000 yeshiva students across New York state.

The state ultimately decided that all children learn to speak, read and write in English and gain at least basic knowledge of math, science, and social studies. While many yeshivas teach these topics alongside religious instruction, some do not, focusing entirely on the study of Jewish texts.

Some of the schools deemed to violate the state’s requirements have moved to improve their instruction of secular subjects. Others, the education department spokesperson said, have received repeated warnings but failed to engage with the department about making changes to their curriculum.

Three schools, two of which are part of the same yeshiva, received notices in early February that they were losing their legal status as schools. Three additional schools, all in Brooklyn, were notified last week.

They are:

Mosdos Chasidei Square, at 105 Heyward Street
Mosdos Chasidei Square Boro Park, at 1373 43rd Street
Yeshiva Torah V’Yirah Bais Rochel, also known as United Talmudical Academy of Boro Park, at 1275 36th Street
None of the schools responded to requests for comment from the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

Zera Shimshon Parshas Va'Yakheil

 

Eli Sharabi visits Lubavitcher Rebbe's gravesite, reciting the Kaddish prayer. 'With faith and unity, we can overcome anything.'

Hours after he testified at the United Nations Security Council, Hamas captivity survivor Eli Sharabi visited the "Ohel," the gravesite of the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.

Sharabi gave thanks for his survival and prayed for the hostages who remain in Gaza. He recited the Kaddish prayer for the first time, mourning his murdered relatives.

He was hosted by Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky of the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters. This is Sharabi's first time in a synagogue since his release from captivity, and it held great personal meaning for him. Last year, Sharabi's brother Sharon Sharabi visited the same spot, and asked for a blessing for Eli's rescue.

"Exactly one year after that prayer, Eli was released," his brother said emotionally.

The brothers were hosted by Rabbi Kotlarsky and Chabad-Lubavitch emissary Rabbi Zalman Wolowik.

At the gravesite, Sharabi lit a memorial candle, placed his handwritten note, and prayed for the hostages who are still held in Gaza, reciting their names out loud. He received a dollar which the Rebbe had given as a symbol of blessing and protection - a gift organized by Chani Kosliner, who has been supporting the hostages' families since the October 7 massacre.

In a moving moment, Sharabi recited the Kaddish prayer for the first time, in memorial of his brother Yossi, who was killed in Hamas captivity and whose body is still held in Gaza.

On his way in, Sharabi met Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, who was also visiting that evening. The two embraced and wished each other success in their efforts for the benefit of the Jewish nation.

Though Sharabi does not consider himself religious, he said that his faith kept him alive.

"I came from the darkest place in the world - 50 meters underground," he said. "What gave me strength was saying, 'Shema Yisrael,' every morning. Every Friday we tried to make kiddush - we didn't have wine, so we used water. Faith is what kept us alive."

During his time in captivity, Sharabi held onto the hope that he would return to his family. After he was released, he was informed that his wife and two daughters were murdered in the October 7 massacre.

Upon exiting the Ohel, Sharabi shared what helped him survive his time in captivity and continue moving forward: "With the strength of faith and unity, we can overcome everything," he said.

 

New investigation reveals coordinated efforts to manipulate Wikipedia content, spreading antisemitic and anti-Israel bias.

 

A new report by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Center for Technology and Society (CTS) has uncovered systematic antisemitic and anti-Israel bias on Wikipedia, revealing an orchestrated effort to manipulate content related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The investigation found that a coordinated group of editors has been actively distorting Wikipedia entries in apparent violation of the platform’s policies.

According to the report, at least 30 Wikipedia editors have collaborated to introduce misleading narratives about Israel while downplaying Palestinian antisemitism and violence. These editors were found to be significantly more active than comparable groups, with twice the average number of total edits over the past decade. Additionally, their internal communication was up to 18 times more frequent than that of other Wikipedia editors. The report also details how these editors systematically removed references to reputable sources and engaged in tandem voting to suppress criticism of Hamas and Palestinian violence while amplifying content critical of Israel. This trend has intensified since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, further skewing Wikipedia’s portrayal of the conflict.

“It’s clear that Wikipedia needs to do far more to address the very active antisemitic and anti-Israel bias and coordination,” said Daniel Kelley, Interim Head of the ADL Center for Technology and Society. “Until then, platforms relying on Wikipedia, such as Google Search and AI models like ChatGPT, must deprioritize its content on these issues to prevent the spread of misinformation.”

'Where was the Red Cross when we needed them? Where was the UN? 'Eli Sharabi

 "I know you discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza very often, but let me tell you, as an eyewitness - I saw what happened to this aid. Hamas stole it. I saw Hamas terrorists carrying boxes with the UN and UNRWA emblems on them into the tunnel. Dozens and dozens of boxes, paid by your government, feeding terrorists who tortured me and murdered my family. They would eat many meals a day from the UN aid in front of us, and we never received any of it."

Eli added: "When you speak of humanitarian aid, remember this: Hamas eats like kings while hostages starve."

Ambassador Danon stated in response: "No one can dispute the testimony of a hostage survivor who saw with his own eyes Hamas benefiting from UN humanitarian aid. You can no longer turn a blind eye - UNRWA supports Hamas' murderous terror enterprise that is starving our hostages and perpetuating the humanitarian disaster in Gaza."

Ahead of the council session, Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, released hostage Eli Sharabi and Acting US Representative to the UN Dorothy Shea addressed the media.

"For too long, the UN has looked away. For too long, the Security Council has looked away. But Israel will not look away. We will not remain silent. Eli Sharabi stands here today because he survived. He is here today to look into the eyes of those who remained silent and remind them of the hostages who remain in Hamas captivity,” Ambassador Danon stated.

Ambassador Danon added: "The world will hear his story. And the world will have to make a choice - to stand with the hostages, or to stand with the terrorists."

Eli Sharabi stated: "My name is Eli Sharabi and I am 53 years old. I have come back from hell. I have returned to tell my story. For 491 days, I was kept underground in Hamas terror tunnels - chained, starved, beaten, humiliated. The chains they kept me in tore into my skin from the moment I entered until the moment I was released. I was treated worse than an animal. I had to beg for food, and beg to use the bathroom. Begging became my existence."

Eli criticized: "Where was the Red Cross when we needed them? Where was the United Nations? 491 days of torment. 491 days of starvation, of being chained underground. The civilians saw us suffering, and they cheered our kidnappers. They were definitely involved.

"I am here today because I survived. But survival is not enough. Not when 59 are still held captive in Hamas tunnels in Gaza. I was freed less than six weeks ago and I come here to the UN with a simple message. Bring them all home.”

Acting US Representative to the UN Dorothy Shea stated: “Your difficult but necessary testimony, Mr. Sharabi, offers the Security Council an important perspective, reminding us all of how Hamas started this conflict on October 7, 2023, with its horrific terrorist attack, wherein they took over 250 people hostage.”

Ambassador Shea added: “It is important for the Council to hear directly from hostages who were kept in Hamas captivity. They are witnesses and they are survivors, whose testimony provides evidence of the barbarity of Hamas. President Trump has been clear: Hamas must release all 59 hostages immediately – including American Citizens Edan Alexander, Itay Chen, Judith Weinstein, Gad Haggai, and Omer Neutra – or pay a steep price. We continue to stand with Israel as they defend themselves and push to secure the release of all hostages from Hamas captivity."